Safety net scheme agreed for struggling synods

Assembly has agreed to introduce a “last resort” financial safety net scheme for synods. The scheme, recommended to Assembly in a resolution passed by Mission Council in March, recognises the financial vulnerability of some synods, and the unpredictable and voluntary nature of the existing inter-synod resource-sharing scheme.

The new scheme will not replace inter-synod resource-sharing, which is to continue in its present form - and the safety net will not offer unlimited funding for any synod activities.

Synods will be eligible to apply for the scheme only if they find themselves unable to meet basic financial obligations; and it will come into operation only after a synod has taken all reasonable actions to increase its income and reduce its costs and Mission Council has given specific agreement.

Treasurer John Ellis told Assembly: “One synod will immediately want to be part of this system – it is no longer theoretical.”